This report highlights the continued violence in Gaza despite the ceasefire officially in place since January 19. On Sunday, February 9, the Gaza Civil Defense reported that Israeli forces (Tsahal) shot and killed three Palestinian civilians, claiming they had fired “warning shots” at people who had approached too close to Israeli military positions still stationed in the territory.
The deadly incident took place in Gaza City (north), where Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense, confirmed “three martyrs and several wounded following gunfire by Israeli occupation forces on civilians in the eastern neighbourhoods of Gaza City.”
Bassal urged residents to avoid these areas and follow official instructions to prevent further losses. Meanwhile, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, in exchange for the release of all hostages, is supposed to take place in the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which is expected to be negotiated soon in Qatar and implemented by March 1.
Nevertheless, concerns remain that the Israeli army might not fully comply, as seen in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue to justify their presence by citing threats from Hezbollah fighters.